Lexstep services winnersFinalists: AfricaLegalJobs.com; Bell Pottinger; CILEx Law School (highly commended); Obelisk Support; Shilton Sharpe Quarry; Trevor Gilbert & Associates; D2 Legal Technology

LexStep secured the supplier innovation award for services for its online hiring platform, which offers a discreet services for lawyers and promises to be cost-effective for employers.

Founded by two City lawyers, the idea was to establish a recruitment service where lawyers can anonymously browse what jobs are available and connect directly with law firms.

Job information is transparent, with all openings listed by law firm name. And users can be assured of discretion – only law firms that candidates approve can view their details, meaning their current employer will not be able to see their profile.

Employers can also be confident that candidates are suitable for the job as all potential hires are pre-vetted by LexStep, giving them access to a more tailored talent pool.

Lawyers and law firms can sign up to the service for free, with LexStep charging a percentage of a lawyer's first-year salary in the event of a successful hire.

Any lawyers securing a job through the website also pocket a £2,500 signing bonus. "This seems to be solving an irritation in a transparent way, using technology," one judge pointed out.

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